What’s the Difference Between Kerosene and WinterGuard Fuel?

Posted: September 23, 2024

Keep your home warm and comfortable with our weather-resistant fuel.

Because kerosene is more stable than traditional heating oil under colder conditions —conditions we see pretty regularly in the Northeast — it’s a popular heating fuel for mobile homes and buildings with outdoor storage tanks.

At Main-Care Energy, we sell and deliver a kerosene alternative called WinterGuard fuel, which our customers prefer. In this article, we’ll discuss how our fuel differs from traditional kerosene, plus everything you need to know to help you safely store your winter heating supply of kerosene or WinterGuard fuel.

Kerosene vs. WinterGuard Fuel

To understand how WinterGuard fuel and kerosene differ, it’s crucial to know how each is made.

Kerosene, like traditional heating oil, is made from crude oil. It’s produced at extremely high temperatures and has a low “gel point.” If you were to place traditional heating oil in an outdoor tank, it would start to thicken in sustained freezing temperatures, creating issues for your heating equipment. Kerosene can withstand much colder conditions.

WinterGuard fuel, on the other hand, is derived from our Bioheat® fuel (a blend of ultra-low-sulfur heating oil and biodiesel). However, we treat the Bioheat fuel with de-icer and additives to lower its gel point. So, you get all the benefits of traditional kerosene.

WinterGuard and Your Wallet

One of the big pain points for households that use kerosene is how pricy it can be. WinterGuard fuel is more affordable per gallon. But that’s just the start of the benefits for your home and budget.

Because WinterGuard fuel is made from clean-burning Bioheat fuel, it leaves fewer deposits in your heating system, lowering your maintenance costs over time.

Additionally, New York residents who use WinterGuard fuel can receive a tax credit on their state income tax returns. New York offers a credit for every gallon of biodiesel you purchase to heat your home — and that can really add up!

Safely Storing Your WinterGuard or Kerosene in Winter

Whether you use kerosene or WinterGuard to keep your house, business or mobile home warm, you should follow these storage guidelines:

1. Think Tanks — Steel tanks are a good choice because they are durable and damage-resistant. Make sure the tank is approved and meets local regulations. Your outdoor storage tank should also have a corrosion-resistant coating to protect against the elements. Consider using a cover or an open-sided shed to protect your tank from rain and snow.
2. Location, Location, Location — The location of your outdoor tanks is important. Choose a location that’s flat, stable, and well-drained to prevent the tank from shifting or tipping over. The tank should be placed on a non-combustible platform, such as concrete or a gravel pad, which can help reduce the risk of fire and protect the tank from ground moisture.
3. Care & Maintenance — A little basic maintenance goes a long way to ensure your outdoor fuel tank lasts a long time and keeps your kerosene or WinterGuard fuel supply safe. Check your tank regularly for any signs of rust, corrosion, or leaks. Small rust spots can be treated with a rust converter, but if you notice significant corrosion or damage, you should consider replacing your tank.
4. No Contamination — Water is one of the biggest threats to stored heating fuel. It can cause the fuel to degrade and result in tank corrosion. To prevent water contamination, make sure your tank has a tight-sealing cap and keep your tank full during the summer season. If your tank is equipped with a gauge, regularly check for any signs of water accumulation, which can appear as a cloudy or milky layer at the bottom of the tank.

Whatever your winter heating fuel needs in our service area, the committed employee-owners at Main-Care Energy are ready to help. Contact us today.